João Artur Rosa Alves (born 18 August 1980) is a Portuguese retired professional footballer who played as a central midfielder.
In 2004–05, after five additional campaigns with Chaves in the second division, Alves joined S.C. Braga,[2] his first league appearance occurring on 14 November 2004 in a 0–0 draw at Leiria.
After some solid performances that helped the Minho side finish fourth, he moved to Sporting CP.
[4] Alves made an average of 23 league appearances in the following three seasons, and on 20 June 2011 he replaced veteran Flávio Meireles as club captain.
[5] On 17 August 2005, Alves made his debut for the Portugal national team, making an assist for Hélder Postiga in a 2–0 friendly win over Egypt.